Anyone who has spent any time in Australia knows that surfing is very popular and widespread in Australia. But everyone also knows that there are many sharks in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and that many surfers have been attacked by sharks.
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When I talk to people about Australia, it doesn't take long before the question comes up: "Aren't you afraid of sharks?" It's a difficult question, but I don't think I'm really afraid of sharks on the east coast at all, at least not all the time. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't go into the water at all. I'd rather say that I've gotten used to the danger over time. I know that sharks are always there somewhere, regardless of whether I see them or not. On the other hand, it also depends on where I go into the water. If I'm in the water here on the Sunshine Coast with, say, 50 other surfers at a spot, I hardly think about sharks at all. But if I'm alone in the water in a remote national park early in the morning, things are a different story. Generally speaking, the risk of encountering a shark is highest early in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset, as that's when they're most active. I haven't yet seen a shark eye, even at those times.
Are sharks common on Australian beaches?
Yes, sharks are common in Australian waters, especially along the coast. However, it should be noted that of the 180 different shark species, only 21 have been recorded as attacks on humans. More on the statistics in a moment.
Do sharks attack surfers?
Yes, shark attacks on surfers do occur, but research shows that sharks generally don't recognize humans as food. The thing with surfers is that, from below, they look like seals to sharks, which are themselves lower in the food chain. In other words, sharks don't have the best eyesight and occasionally attack surfers by mistake. That's just a bummer for the surfers. But don't panic; the statistics for this are very low.
What are the common regions for sharks?
It sounds silly, but anywhere you surf in Australia you can come across a shark. On the east coast you usually see tiger sharks or bull sharks, but fewer great white sharks, which thrive in cooler temperatures, such as on the south or west coast of Australia. If you google this question you will be specifically told the Gold Coast, Byron Bay or Ballina. But all I will say is that these three places (all within a two hour drive of each other) are probably the most popular or best known surfing spots, and therefore the ones where there is the most activity, which in turn means the probability that one in 5873738 surfers will come across a shark is higher than somewhere in the middle of nowhere where one is in the water every few days.
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What do you do if you see a shark?
Yes, easy to say, but try to stay calm and definitely don't paddle away in a panic. Move slowly towards the shore, but try to maintain eye contact with the shark. If possible, group up with other surfers. You have to imagine; the shark will probably think you're a seal. If you paddle away in a panic, it might think you're surprised, which makes you even more attractive as prey. If you stay calm and, ideally, group up with other surfers, the shark will hopefully realize you're not a seal and will probably be afraid of the group appearance. Be sure to inform the coast guard if you spot a shark.
How likely is a shark attack while surfing?
Experts consistently emphasize that the chance of being attacked by a shark is very small. The Taronga Conversation Society Australia has explained in great detail how particularly unlikely it is - Database
In 2023, a total of 600 million beach visits (not visitors!) were recorded. That means if I go to the beach three times a week, that counts as three visits in the statistics. Over the last 10 years, an average of 20 shark attacks on humans (not just surfers) were recorded, of which 2.8 were fatal. That's 2.8 attacks per year with 600 million beach visits... do the math yourself!
In 2023, for example, there were four fatal shark attacks in Australia. At the same time, 1,266 fatal accidents occurred on Australian roads.
What can I do to prevent shark attacks?
As a surfer, I think there are two good tools to help prevent shark attacks. First, there's the FCS Sharkpod, which sends out electrical impulses to scare sharks away. You simply attach it to your leash and you'll immediately feel a bit safer. You can also watch test videos and read reviews on the site; it's really interesting !
If you can't or don't want to spend that much money, you can get the "Shark Eyes" stickers. These are a pair of eyes that you can stick under your board. They look like an enemy to the shark, thus scaring them away. Very simple and supposedly very effective. Check it out for yourself.
Can I still go surfing in Australia?
Yes, absolutely!!! Australia is a fantastic place for surfing. Yes, there are sharks, but you can find them in Bali or anywhere else too. Don't forget how slim the chances are. Yes, it's a risk, but a little adrenaline is sometimes part of the fun. Get in the water!
Yewww
